Are you considering buying either the Honda HR-V or the Hyundai Kona? Are you trying to figure out which subcompact crossover SUV to get? To help you understand the differences between the two models, we created this 2023 Honda HR-V vs. 2023 Hyundai Kona comparison.

2023 Honda HR-V vs. 2023 Hyundai Kona: What are the differences?

In this 2023 Honda HR-V vs. 2023 Hyundai Kona crossover SUV comparison, we evaluated several areas. This includes performance, gas mileage, off-road capabilities, safety, passenger and cargo space, warranty coverage, and price.

HR-V vs. Kona: Performance and gas mileage 

All 2023 Honda HR-V models have a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which generates 158 horsepower. While the HR-V offers a hybrid version in the European market, in the United States, a fully gas-powered engine is the only option.

In comparison, the 2023 Hyundai Kona offers three gas engine options, along with an all-electric model: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder (147 horsepower), a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder (195 horsepower), a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (207 horsepower), and 201 horsepower for the Kona Electric. The HR-V has a higher base engine horsepower output, but the rest of the Kona’s powertrain options are more powerful.

If you have serious towing needs, then you’ll have to look elsewhere. Neither crossover SUV is rated for towing. 

For efficiency, the Kona has the advantage. The gas-powered Kona has an estimated fuel economy of up to 32 combined mpg, while the Kona Electric has an estimated fuel efficiency rating of up to 120 combined MPGe. In comparison, the HR-V has an estimated gas mileage of up to 28 combined mpg.

HR-V vs. Kona: Off-road capabilities

Both the HR-V and Kona offer a traction-enhancing all-wheel drive system. However, the two crossover SUVs are not very good choices for off-road use. This is because both have low ground clearance, with 7.3 inches for the HR-V and 6.7 inches for the Kona. However, the all-wheel drive systems are still beneficial for driving in adverse weather conditions, such as snowy and icy roads. 

HR-V vs. Kona: Safety

The HR-V and Kona are evenly matched for safety. Notable safety and driving assistance features for both crossover SUVs include electronic stability control, traction control, a rearview camera, lane-keeping assist, and a blind-spot monitoring system.

HR-V vs. Kona: Passenger and cargo space

The 2023 HR-V is bigger than the 2023 Kona, which results in more interior space. It has a total passenger volume of up to 98.7 cu-ft and a maximum cargo capacity of 55.1 cu-ft. In comparison, the Kona has a total passenger volume of up to 94.1 cu-ft and a maximum cargo capacity of 45.8 cu-ft.

HR-V vs. Kona: Warranty coverage

For warranty coverage, the Kona has the advantage. It has a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, compared to a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty for the HR-V. 

HR-V vs. Kona: Price

Which crossover SUV costs more: the 2023 HR-V or the 2023 Kona? The starting price of the 2023 HR-V ranges from $23,650 MSRP for the LX trim up to $27,450 MSRP for the EX-L trim. 

For the Kona, the official price information is not yet available for the 2023 model year. However, the starting price of the 2022 Kona ranges from $21,300 MSRP for the SE trim up to $42,500 MSRP for the Kona Electric Limited trim.

2023 Honda HR-V vs. 2023 Hyundai Kona: Which crossover SUV is better?

In this 2023 Honda HR-V vs. 2023 Hyundai Kona comparison, each crossover SUV has various advantages. For the 2023 HR-V, advantages include base engine horsepower output and passenger and cargo space. Conversely, advantages for the 2023 Kona include higher output for its available powertrain options, gas mileage, and warranty coverage.